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Japan Golf Tour members in the hunt for International Series Japan title

2026-03-19

A formidable homegrown lineup will take centre stage at International Series Japan, as leading Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO) players look to make an early impact on The International Series Rankings to kick-start their 2026  campaign on home soil.

Headlined by LIV Golf’s Yosuke Asaji, who earned his place  by finishing second on last year’s  Rankings, and 2025 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Kazuki Higa, the US$2 million event delivers a high-stakes test, with a direct pathway to the 2027 LIV Golf League on the line.

Japan Golf Tour Players Association Chairman and proven winner on the Tour Mikiya Akutsu leads a strong group that includes 2025 JGTO money list winner Kota Kaneko and close rival Tatsunori Shogenji, whose title race gripped the domestic season.

Veteran Yuta Ikeda, a 21-time JGTO winner, adds proven firepower, alongside 2023 Japan Open champion Aguri Iwasaki and rising star Taiga Semikawa, who claimed the same title as an amateur in 2022.

Further depth comes from big-hitting Riki Kawamoto, emerging talent Ren Yonezawa, and seasoned contenders Satoshi Kodaira and Hiroshi Iwata.

They join previously confirmed JGTO winners including Jinichiro Kozuma, Shugo Imahira, Ryosuke Kinoshita and Ryo Katsumata, strengthening an already competitive Japanese contingent.

Rounding out the field, reigning Japan Amateur champion Kaito Sato will also tee it up, adding another exciting young prospect to the mix.

International Series Japan returns to Caledonian Golf Club for a second straight year, reinforcing its status as one of Japan’s standout championship venues. Set in rolling, wooded terrain in Chiba, the course presents a refined and demanding test, one that rewards precision and patience.

Tickets for all four days of International Series Japan are available here, with complimentary entry on Thursday and Friday, and free admission for children throughout the tournament.

Notes to editors:
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The International Series is the most prized pathway in golf. It consists of a set of elite tournaments co-sanctioned by LIV Golf and the Asian Tour and offers the year-long Rankings Winner & Runner-Up promotion to the LIV Golf League.